And I am BACK. Big thanks to Bla1ze who tackled my From the Editor's Desk post last week. He did a great job on it. He was on time too. This column is scheduled to be posted on Sunday, and here I am on a Tuesday late evening finally getting a little something up. But I do have some good excuses for being busy... including a short-notice trip last week to WATERLOO, Ontario, the birthplace and hometown of BlackBerry!!

That's right, I flew down to Toronto a week ago and drove into Waterloo for Wednesday. It was a busy day, which included dropping by to take in the We Day festivities again this year. BlackBerry is a big believer in We Day and sponsors the event, and RIM's CEO Thorsten Heins did a great job taking to the stage to speak to the thousands of passionate and energized youth in attendance (video to come).

From there I was able to meet and sit down with BlackBerry's new Chief Operating Officer, Kristian Tear and talk at length. We've already met with BlackBerry's CEO and CMO on multiple occassions, so it was great to catch up with Kristian and talk about his time at the company so far as things ramp to the launch of BlackBerry 10. We'll bringing you our full interview Q&A with Kristian shortly, so stay tuned for that.

I wasn't in Waterloo for very long, but while there did have a chance to connect with a lot of BlackBerry folks, and it was clear to me that the excitement is building for BlackBerry 10. My last trip to Waterloo was in July for the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, and at that point the launch of BB10 was still far off into the future. When I came home from that trip my faith was restored, but there was still a lot of work to be done.

Now, the new beginning for RIM is really and truly in sight. WE HAVE A DATE. Walking in and out of RIM buildings, things were BUSTLING. People were coming and going in every direction. This is a company getting ready to launch something that's going to be BIG. I can't wait. Only 70 more sleeps.

* BlackBerry by choice *
Bla1ze did indeed do a good job last week and good to have you back CBK. Was also good to see you on the iMore show a few days ago. I've never watched one before then and it was a good show. I'm very much looking forward to what you will have to say about WP. (My guess is that it might be a little harsh) I'm so excited for BB10 as many here are and the statement the other day of there being a date now is awesome and much needed. Here's to BB10, and I'm busting with excitement.

I'm looking forward to ending my own world tour and jumping my way to London. (I mean on the London)

"Only 70 more sleeps". Sounds like a kid who can't wait for Christmas. Kevin you need to get an advent-like BB10 calendar to help you keep track. At my house we had a 25 day Christmas calendar, each day having a little pocket. There was a small mouse, and each morning my sister or I (we took turns) moved it to today's pocket.

On the first day of BB10 BlackBerry gave to me, ONE new OS
On the second day of BB10 BlackBerry gave to me....

It's already started. That's why RIM touched north of $10 yesterday. Some financial "experts" are changing their positions to "Hold"...pffft I've had RIM stock since it was $14+ and bought all the way down to sub $8 and am still buying. My faith has never been shaken knowing BB10 is coming, we are the most devout users on the planet, and once the masses start to see what the new BB truly has to offer....I feel it will one day again be a fondly looked upon household name.

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